Health and Safety
The function of the Health and Safety Section is to:
- Advise the Director of Services and Responsible Persons in all aspects of safety, health and welfare at work in particular to the observance of the requirements of safety, health and welfare at work legislation and associated provisions
- Compile, with assistance of the Responsible Persons the relevant Ancillary Safety Management System / Safety Statement
- Monitor the implementation of the provisions outlined in the relevant Ancillary Safety Management System / Safety Statement at the work locations of Sligo Local Authorities
- Communicate to employees provisions of the relevant Ancillary Safety Management System / Safety Statement and revisions that will ensue
- Ensure that the Responsible Persons or their delegate carry out their responsibilities outlined in the relevant Ancillary Safety Management System / Safety Statement
- Monitor accident / incident trends to eliminate shortcomings in the relevant Ancillary Safety Management System / Safety Statement
- Provide advice on remedial and preventative action to be taken following an accident / incident / dangerous occurrence and arrange for specialist advice where necessary
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS / SAFETY STATEMENT
A Safety Management System is a documented systematic approach to the management of safety, health and welfare in the workplace.
The Safety Management System developed for Sligo Local Authorities are modelled on an internationally recognised Safety Management System.
The Systems are applicable to both the relevant sections offices and sites work locations.
The elements of Sligo Local Authorities Safety Management Systems are:
- Occupational Health and Safety Policy
- Planning
- Implementation and Operation
- Checking and Corrective Action
- Management Review
- Continual Improvement
The Water Services Section Safety Management System was implemented in January 2007. The Roads Section Safety Management System was implemented in June 2007.
Work is ongoing to develop additional systems for other relevant sections.
SUPERVISOR / LINE MANAGER TRAINING
Forty one line managers and supervisors took part in a 3 day ‘Supervising Safely’ training course, which is accredited to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY
As a result of a Section 66 Improvement Notice an Improvement Plan entitled “Safety Management Systems for Roadworks” was approved by the Health and Safety Authority in May 2007. This Improvement Plan has had a significant impact on the management of national and non-national Overlay Projects and Surface Dressing Operations.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
A Vaccination Programme for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus was offered to Roads Section and Water Services Section personnel.
Risk Assessments for pregnant employees were commenced and are ongoing for all expectant mothers.
Visual Display Unit Risk Assessments were commenced and are ongoing for all VDU users.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY HANDBOOK
The Employee Safety Handbook, an initiative of the Local Authorities Safety Advisors Group (LASAG), the Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB) and the Local Authorities National Partnership Advisor Group was launched in 2007.
Various presentations were made to staff throughout the county and the handbook was distributed. All new employees will receive the Employee Safety Handbook prior to commencing employment with Sligo Local Authorities.
MONITORING OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE
A schedule of Health and Safety Inspections was established for 2007 and a vigorous regime was carried out. 207 health and safety inspections were carried out across all sections of the organisation. Many improvements have been made through cooperation with line managers and employees.
